UN rights chief censures Venezuela for 'decline of economic rights'

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet presents her annual report before the UN Human Right Council members in Geneva on March 6, 2019. (Photo by AFP)

While the embattled president of Venezuela has expressed his determination to defeat those who seek to bring down the legitimate government, the UN rights chief has censured the Nicolas Maduro administration for what she has termed as "a decline of economic rights."

In her annual report to the United Nations Human Rights Council, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet said, "Venezuela clearly illustrates the way violations of civil and political rights - including failure to uphold fundamental freedoms, and the independence of key institutions - can accentuate a decline of economic and social rights."

"This situation has been exacerbated by sanctions," she added, referring to the bans imposed by the administration of US President Donald Trump.

The Latin American country has been in political turmoil since January, when opposition leader Juan Guaido disputed last year’s reelection of Maduro and declared himself the interim president. Guaido was quickly recognized by the US and a number of its Latin American allies.

The Western-backed opposition blames Maduro for the ailing economy, hyperinflation, power cuts, and shortages of basic items.

Washington said on Tuesday that it was considering imposing new sanctions against the Venezuelan government to pressure Maduro to hand over power to Guaido.